Mercedes-AMG G 63 – Here is the beast that can’t be tamed

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True to tradition, but making a giant leap forward, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz G-Class now gets a new variant, a more potent and aggressively styled one, meant to tackle the off-road and to turn heads on the tarmac. So here is the Mercedes-AMG G 63.

Performance off-road vehicles, behold! This is the Mercedes-AMG G 63, the beast that can’t be tamed, powered by an irresistible drive system, fitted with the newly developed AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension, benefitting from the presence of the AMG-typical transmission modes and with an interior that takes luxury to the next level.

Mercedes-AMG G 63 (18)

With 585 horsepower on hand, developed by its 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, with rear-biased all-wheel drive (40:60) and three differential locks, with a 9-speed automatic transmission, double wishbone independent front suspension and adaptive adjustable damping, the G 63 is truly a monster that brings chills down the spine of the rivals.

The AMG off-roader gets the power house’s typical radiator grille, flared wheel arches, chrome-plated side pipes and runs on 22-inch wheels.

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The 4.0-liter AMG sourced V8 biturbo comes to replace the 5.5-liter V8 biturbo of the previous generation. Capable of delivering 585 HP and 850 Nm of torque, it makes the boxy SUV run from zero to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds only, on its way to its top speed of 220 km/h, 240 km/h when fitted with the AMG Driver’s package. For a spontaneous response, the two turbochargers are relocated from the cylinder banks into the cylinder “V”. Modified pistons, optimized intercooling and extensive software upgrades are just few of the features that the engine receives. The AMG Cylinder Management cylinder deactivation system equips the V8 under the bonnet of the G 63. Therefore, in partial-load range, cylinders two, three, five and eight are disengaged for a lower fuel consumption, promised to be around 13.2 l/100 km and better CO2 emissions figures of 299 g/km.

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The AMG SPEEDSHIFT TCT 9G transmission comes with a model-specific software application that provides shorter shift times, so when turning on the “Sport” or the “Sport Plus” transmission modes, the driver gets quite an emotional driving experience behind the steering wheel of the G 63. The DIRECT SELECT lever has been relocated and now stands as a steering column stalk. The “Manual” mode can be activated from a separate switch, while the man behind the wheel has the freedom to shift gears using the paddles on the steering wheel.

The Mercedes-AMG G 63 is standardly fit with the AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive, with a rear-biased torque distribution split of 40 to 60 percent, for improved traction during acceleration. It was 50:50 in the previous model.

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Rough terrain is no obstacle for the off-road reduction gear, that aids the G 63 master the most demanding of surfaces. The function can be engaged via the LOW RANGE switch, at speeds up to 40 km/h. switching from LOW RANGE to HIGH RANGE is possible at speeds of up to 70 km/h.

Mercedes has fitted a new intelligent multiplate clutch in its off-roader, that behaves like an automatically controlled locking diff and makes the G 63 manouvrable for longer when it leaves the tar behind. And LED and the central display indicate which of the locks is active, while each of them now responds more rapidly to commands, thanks to the fact that they are electromechanically actuated.

Mercedes-AMG G 63 (13)

Mercedes promises improved dynamics and far more comfort than in the previous generation and they have quite a reason to do it. The G 63 features the fully redesigned AMG RIDE CONTROL suspension as standard. It is the first time the front axle has an independent double wishbone suspension. A rigid axle with a five-link suspension has been fitted at the rear.

The damping is adjusted for each of the wheels, depending on driving styles that can be selected from a switch in the center console. “Comfort”, “Sport” and “Sport+” are the options that the driver can choose from.

For superior handling, the G 63 now gets the electromechanical speed-sensitive steering with a variable ratio, for precise feedback. The steering power assistance can be adjusted into two modes, “Comfort” and “Sport”, with the relevant characteristics being automatically activated depending on the DYNAMIC SELECT driving mode activated. It is the first time in the history of the G-Class that the driving characteristics can be customized at the simple touch of a finger. Five on-road (“Slippery”, “Comfort”, “Sport, “Sport+” and “Individual”) and three off-road modes (“Sand”, “Trail” and “Rock”) are available. They act on the response of the engine, transmission, suspension and steering when activated.

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Why is the G 63 a Hulk on wheels? It is all due to its torsionally rigid ladder-type frame of high-strength steel. Such a design makes is considerably stronger and suitable for off-road operation, ensuring a low center of gravity and protecting the major assemblies, the fuel tank and the exhaust system when they severely touch the ground.

Mercedes has worked intensively on reducing the weight of the body. Using a digital prototype, the engineers pointed out the exact places where lighter materials could be used with no compromise on durability, operating life and quality. And so the G 63 ended up getting an intelligent material mix. It got aluminium in the bonnet, wings and doors, while the model-specific door hinges and handles were modified to fit the new design. The A and B-pillars got high-strength steel. The material mix allowed an growth of the torsional rigidity of the frame by 55%, for a better handling precision and comfort, significantly reducing vibrations and noise.  The roof is now laser-welded onto the body structure, bringing a higher body strength as well. For the first time, the front and rear window are adhesive-bonded to the body.

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With its solid silhouette and proud stance, the Mercedes-AMG G 63 exposes its daring flare. External door hinges, round headlamps, bonnet-placed direction indicators it screams from the bottom of its lungs that it would stop at nothing.

The front fascia now gets the AMG-specific Panamericana radiator grille, while the headlights, indicators and tail lights receive the LED High Performance technology as standard. The MULTIBEAM LED headlamps are optionally available. They make use of 84 individually controlled LED modules, illuminating the road surface automatically with extremely bright and precisely directed light, making sure it does not dazzle other road users.

From the side, the G 63 is a show-stopper with its flared front and rear wheel arches and big-sized wheels, but also with the “V8 BITURBO” lettering on the front wings and the red calipers fitted on the 22-inch wheels.  The rear door gets the G 63 model badge.

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The car underwent major changes on the inside as well, with redesigned analogue dial instruments being fitted as standard. The digital Widescreen Cockpit with virtual instruments and two 12.3-inch displays blended beneath a shared glass cover, is available as an option. The driver can adjust his view into “Classic”, “Sporty” and “Progressive” looks.

With extra 101 mm in length, 121 mm in width and 40 mm in height, the car provides a more airy and comfortable feeling, enhanced by the ergonomically designed seats with improved lateral support, Memory function for the driver’s seat and seat heating at the front and at the rear. The Active Multicontour Seat package box can also be ticked, as it brings massage functions, climate-controlled seats and fast seat heating.nthe AMG Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather with galvanized shift paddles, is standard equipment for the interior.

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On the steering wheel, there are the already familiar swipe-control touch buttons, that can command the instrument cluster and the infotainment system.

The angular SUV comes with a soundtrack, provided by the twin tailpipes in high-gloss chrome that provide the typical AMG V8 orchestra, that can be conducted in two ways, using the switch in the center console or depending on the driving mode engaged.

ModelMercedes-AMG G 63
Engine4.0-liter V8 biturbo
Displacement 3982 cc
Output 430 kW (585 HP at 6.000 rpm)
Peak torque 850 Nm
TransmissionAMG Speedshift TCT 9G
Combined fuel consumption13.2 l/100 km
Weight 2560 (including driver)
Acceleration 0-100 km/h4.5 seconds
Top speed220 km/h (240 km/h with Driver's Package)

The Mercedes-AMG G 63 comes into the world as an exclusive “Edition 1” model, available in magnetite black, obsidian black, iridium silver, mojave silver, selenite grey, designo graphite metallic, designo platinum black. designo mystic white bright, designo platinum magno and designo night black magno. All colors come in contrast with sports stripes along the vehicle in matt graphite grey and there are decorative red stripes on the mirror housings. On the interior, there are red contrasting topstitching on the dashboard support, center console, door panels and seats, with those at the front getting the dynamic diamond pattern as standard.  The carbon-fibre trim has highlights in red pepper, while the Performance steering wheel wrapped in DINAMICA microfiber with a flattened lower section, features red contrasting topstitching and a red 12 o’clock marking.

The Mercedes-AMG G 63 will be displayed at the Geneva Motor Show on the 6th of March and will hit the showrooms in June.